Modern Wisdom

#669 - Scott Walker - A Hostage Negotiator’s Hacks To Master Communication

143 snips
Aug 19, 2023
Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective and world-renowned hostage negotiator, shares invaluable insights from his 300+ cases. He discusses essential negotiation techniques, including how to set the right tone with strategic questions. Scott emphasizes mastering empathy and active listening to effectively deal with difficult individuals. He also provides tips for managing nerves in high-pressure situations and highlights common pitfalls in negotiations, ensuring you leave with practical hacks to enhance your communication skills.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

First Hostage Negotiation

  • Walker's first negotiation involved a rival drug gang kidnapping.
  • The kidnappers threatened violence after discovering police involvement, escalating tension.
INSIGHT

Hostage Rescue vs. Negotiation

  • UK/US kidnappings often involve hostage rescues due to specialized teams.
  • Other countries favor negotiated settlements due to higher success rates and less risk.
ANECDOTE

Pirate Hijacking

  • Walker handled a pirate hijacking where kidnappers threatened to kill hostages if ransom wasn't paid.
  • He prioritized reassuring the distraught communicator, ultimately leading to a successful hostage release.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app